Christchurch has become the first city in New Zealand to launch part of a long-awaited national ticketing system for public transport.
On Monday, the new “Motu Move” system began rolling out across 300 buses in Christchurch, Waimakariri, and Selwyn, allowing full-fare passengers to pay with contactless bank cards or smart devices like phones and watches.
This is the first phase of the $1.4 billion National Ticketing Solution (NTS), which has been in planning since 2009. Although the project was meant to begin in South Canterbury earlier this year, delays meant Christchurch became the starting point instead. Other regions, including Wellington, are expected to join the system by 2027.
For now, only adults paying the full fare can use the new contactless system. People with discounts, such as students or seniors, must still use their Metrocard until later phases add support for concession fares and a special Motu Move card.
Despite earlier problems, Canterbury leaders said they were proud to be leading the way. Canterbury Regional Council Chair Deon Swiggs said over 500 people used the new system on launch day, and the change should make travel easier and encourage more people to take the bus or ferry.
New Zealand aims to be only the third country, after the Netherlands and Singapore, to have a single ticketing system for public transport across nearly the whole country.
